Objective

To establish inequalities in the continuity of outpatient care to displaced population diagnosed with depression.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, based on clinical records, was performed during the period between June 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013, on population diagnosed with depression and reduced to displaced population. The odds ratio was used to associate the type of population with the outpatient care control by professionals, adjusted by sex, age, affiliation and region.

Results

The following information was obtained from 74 713 records: 3 149 related to displaced population and 71 564 to non-displaced population; non-displaced population had 24 % more ambulatory care (OR: 1.24 p<0.001; CI 1.10 to 1.39), and the advantage was greater when adjusting the information to data, based on affiliation to the health system. In the displaced population group, men had greater rates of outpatient care compared to women (OR:1.40 p<0.001 CI: 1.08 to 1.83). The disadvantage was also high for non-displaced women (OR:1.26 p<0.001 CI: 1.10 to 1.44). Although these results were obtained for outpatient care in mild and moderate depressive patients, severe depression was excluded; the first type of depression was diagnosed in 92 % of people. Discussion The performance record showed inequalities in the continuity of outpatient care and, despite the improvement of quality, its coverage is still incomplete. During the first year of the unified plan for the Health System, apparently, the coverage has not achieved to avoid by itself differences in care of displaced population. Improvement of records and interoperability is necessary for designing health policies with an equitable approach.